This Day in Minnesota History

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Today's Date: May 24

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1841

Dr. Christopher Carli and his wife, Lydia, move to the site that is now Stillwater. Carli helps build a log cabin and opens the town's first pharmacy and bank.
1858

The first group of state officers, including Henry H. Sibley as governor, is installed.
1941

Robert Zimmerman is born in Duluth. In later decades he became the iconic singer and songwriter Bob Dylan, his surname borrowed from Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Originally a folk singer, Dylan also explored rock and gospel. He wrote over 500 songs, earned a number of Grammy awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After achieving renown, he did not perform in Duluth until October 22, 1998.
1997

Just before it closes its doors for good, the New Riverside Cafe in Minneapolis hosts a "wake" to celebrate its twenty-seven years as a Dinkytown staple. Episcopal priest Bill Teska had opened the cafe in 1970 to serve as a political organizing space. In the cafe's early days, many employees lived communally and based their service on the motto, "Eat what you need to eat and pay what you can afford to pay."
2006

Governor Tim Pawlenty declares the Honeycrisp apple to be Minnesota's state fruit. Prized for its crisp bite and sweet taste, the apple was developed during the 1960s at the University of Minnesota.
2011

Governor Mark Dayton signs a bill allowing breweries to sell alcohol onsite. It leads to the creation of Surly Brewing Company's destination brewery in Minneapolis and soon spurs many new breweries to open across the state.